Treatment of hyperfiltering blebs with Nd:YAG laser-induced subconjunctival bleeding.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of a new technique to manage hyperfiltering blebs after penetrating glaucoma surgery.

METHODS

Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser bursts were used to induce bleeding in conjunctival and episcleral vessels in the bleb area to achieve local delivery of autologous blood.

RESULTS

In the three cases reported here in which this technique was used, the treatment was successful and safe, leading to resolution of hypotony and reduction of the bleb with no complications.

CONCLUSION

Subconjunctival bleeding can be achieved using Nd:YAG laser, and can represent a valuable alternative to autologous blood injection in cases of hyperfiltration after glaucoma surgery.